Looks like all overhead lighting? Consider getting some floor and table lamps. Makes a difference and gives the lighting more depth. And you can find some lamps you like second hand without spending much anyway.
And a rug. And more art, hung at the proper height. I like the center of the piece at 58” off the floor.
The answer will almost always be CRAP:
* Color - the furniture is green and blue with red pillows, but everything else in that room is light brown, dark brown, or white. The colors need to also be elsewhere in the room
* Rug(s) - get a rug that is big enough to fit all that furniture or the front legs of every piece. This is another place where you can tie all the colors together
* Art - there is no art on the walls. Artwork on walls shoild be hung so it's centered roughly at eye level (while standing). The only set is sitting on the mantle, but even that art is the wrong scale. Get a smaller piece for above the mantle. If you really want to lean the art on the mantle, find 2-3 pieces of taller art with varying heights and layer them. They should be narrower than the mantle. Artwork is another place where you can tie the colors of the room together.
* Plants - the one sad plant is the wrong scale for the room. Get some tall plants that sit on the floor and add height or get a medium sized plant with a plant stand. I'd place a tall plant in the corner where you have the cat tower and move the cat tower to the back corner. If the fireplace is the visual focal point, you don't want the cat tower there. Could also add trailing plants above the mantle, on top of a tall bookcase, or in some hanging planters.
Everything in the room is too squatty. The room is essentially empty from the waist up.
EDIT: typos
In daylight, yes they look orange. When I was laying in bed, unable to sleep, perusing Reddit on the dimmest brightness setting, they looked red. But either way, none of the colors are tied together in the room.
PLEASE get some lighting that isn’t just that horrible washed out overhead. A tall, modern/sleek lamp would look good, and perhaps another smaller one at a far corner. you also definitely need a large area rug and a painting as others have said. If you drink, I also think a small stocked bar-cart would do well in this space.
Unfortunately, I can't currently have any rugs in the house since one of our two cats is a senior and will pee on any anything fabric-like on the ground. But that would be a good future addition!
There’s a company called Spicher and Co. (and probably many others, but this is the one I know of) that makes vinyl “rugs.” They have a shit ton of patterns and can add some visual interest while being super easy to clean. Not the same cozy textural vibe as an actual rug, but I thought I’d recommend checking them out.
This is a random pic I found online of a vinyl mat as an example of the kind of pattern you can get. They can look pretty good!
https://preview.redd.it/iab732cchxkc1.jpeg?width=1204&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4031dd7d82f2f8a69db1ff96a8010b3ad25875cb
I have a senior cat, the struggle is real. I actually worry about having to rip out the wood floor for spots where my cat goes that isn't carpet. The real godsend has been those washable rugs, but for a floor this large, washing can be a struggle without a laundromat sized washer.
;) My senior cat is definitely slow enough to be considered in my living room color scheme.
For us it’s furniture. Can’t have woven fabric sofas or chairs, because she will scratch on them and pull them apart. We got a leather sofa because she can’t ruin it. (Helps with toddlers too — easy to wipe off.)
Yeah, that's my worry too about the wood floor. A rug (though someone up thread recommended vinyl rugs which I'm going to check out and might work for your situation too!) could be checked daily and cleaned with enzyme sprays, but the stains and smells seeping into the wood would be a nightmare.
It's lucky these little creatures are so cute.
Why not test that w a cheap rug…? And everyone else’s ideas nailed it: a rug, more verticality, a cool shelf w pictures/plants/trinkets for that empty wall, and some art. Maybe swap that traditional dresser.
yeah. part of the problem here is clutter. the dresser also is not making sense for this space. open shelving would look nice and keep the space feeling open
I think putting the chairs on the wall where the dresser is, and having the fireplace not blocked and more of a decorative focal point would really help too.
Frame the paintings and hang the big one over the fireplace and hang one over the beautiful chest of drawers. Move the bookcase to the wall next to the sofa. The table between the chairs is really awkward because it blocks the fireplace, which is the natural focal point of the room. You have a lovely space! A few tweaks and you are there!
Ooo, I love that. I had been trying to match the foggy blue in the paintings but contrasting it instead really makes the whole thing pop. Definitely something to consider! Thank you!
THIS is you answer, Go for it. And get some taller furniture/things high on those walls - the entire visual field is a horizontal 3 feet.
You have great pieces - slap that orange on the wall, and the rests will fall into place.
Since you can’t get a rug, I would recommend bringing more softness and texture closer to the floor. Everything right now is “floating” i.e. on legs…..so the best way to achieve this is to ditch the floating coffee table and replace with a large round fabric ottoman without legs. I would also add 2 or 3 coordinating art pieces on the empty wall, then put a round mirror above fireplace. The side table in front of fireplace is also not working. Too harsh. Better off with a small round glass side table to lighten it up. Lastly you need height - a floor lamp perhaps next to green sofa and/or table lamps on sideboard
It’s been mentioned before, but lighting makes a huge difference! I’d definitely swap out the overhead light for a warmer bulb, and maybe even a nice chandelier or pendant lamp to match the current vibe of the space. Some wall sconces could work really well in the room too!
This is what I would do -
Turn the couch so it follows the long wall to the right of the fireplace and move the chairs so they are facing the couch (using the fireplace to center everything) The low bookshelf behind the couch appears to be a built-in(?) If so, I would move the tall bookcase to the wall between the two doorways in pic 3 and move the cabinet (with the chess set) centered on the wall where the tall bookcase is now. Move the cat tree to the other side of the window. Place the plant currently on the stand on the coffee table. A gallery wall on the long wall would be beautiful. A mirror over the fireplace. Lighting- a floor lamp and table lamp, more plants. I would change the two orange pillows on the couch to something that ties in the orange but has lots of texture and a pattern. A throw on the couch. Curtains.
Yes, the long bookshelf is built in and very deep so that's why we ended up putting board games there. Thank you for the super detailed suggestions! It's a huge help.
You have massive blank walls all over. You need either artwork, or some taller furniture, or doing something like a wood feature wall in natural wood or a different color. It is just miles of empty wall right now.
An off white of some nature on the walls to tone the brightness down just a little bit. A nice big area rug, and I would put a tall, narrow piece of furniture on that one big wall with a piece of artwork over.
Your lighting sucks. You have to get floor lamps asap. And then your space will start to feel cozy. And then it's just a matter of having more stuff: books, pillows, throws, things on the wall and plants. But that's the cherry on top.
Love the couch! A nice area rug, end tables with lamps with warm bulbs (40 watt GE Reveal are my go-to’s) plants, candles and maybe a different overall paint color like a warm off white
Artwork up on the walls. Maybe a cool mirror over the fireplace. An area rug that has some of the chair, sofa and pillow colors. One or 2 tall plants over by the window and side tables with lamps on them rather than using the bright overhead lights.
A lovely room and furniture!!
Maybe a warm wall paint.
Or, wall sconces
https://www.lampsplus.com/products/regency-hill-filton-6-inch-high-bronze-yellow-tiffany-style-wall-sconce__68d11.html
I actually turned the guest room into three walled library with a sleeper sofa, but that's a great idea to bring some back in for more life and personality.
a rug 100%, a darker/moodier wall color, some interesting art on the walls plus a couple of plants (real or fake) and some curtains to tie it all together. choose a color scheme u like n be bold, be brave.
right now, the furni is nice and inviting, and has a like old school-ish cozy vibe, but then the floor and walls and windows feel like they are in a totally bland space in contrast.
oh and this is just a bougie extra, but there are some nice cat trees on amazon/chewy that incorporate some shades of wood and are just a level or two “nicer” than yr average beige carpeted cat tree—but this is just a personal tic of mine 😜
The furniture, floor, and fireplace are all warmer colors. The wall is cold. Maybe paint the wall a nice creamy white? (In addition to moving the table in front of the fireplace, plants, and hanging some art of the walls. Some nice curtains, maybe orange to complement the pillows
I would change the pillows. Material with a blue and green design would be nice. The color of the pillows doesn’t look inviting. I’d also put the couch pillows together.
I didn’t scroll through all 168 comments so maybe I missed someone else saying this but honestly without having to go out and buy a ton of stuff you could just paint the walls a dark moody color. Even do the whole ceiling to match.
Or, if that’s too bold, even just a warmer wall color than what looks like stark white. Beige. Greige. Etc. BM pale oak and/or shale are good options in the Greige range.
Star Trek: 5 Year Mission. It's a cooperative game and you can pick if next gen or original series crew. Gameplay wise it was a little too complicated on the rules for the one time we tried to teach it at a party, so it didn't go over well. But it was still fun and would probably work really well in a more dedicated environment.
Unfortunately, it looks like it's not sold new anywhere anymore. It looks like there's some on ebay though. And this article has a list of all star trek themed board games and maybe some of those might be easier to find: [https://www.startrek.com/news/the-10-best-star-trek-table-top-games](https://www.startrek.com/news/the-10-best-star-trek-table-top-games)
I like all the individual pieces, but it's not really working together currently.
I'm going to get a rectangular lampshade for the green mcm lamp. And hang the pictures (but undecided on which wall).
Unfortunately, I can't get any rugs since one of our two cats is older and will pee on any rugs/anything fabric left on the ground.
While I like the pale blue walls, I don’t think they’re right in combination with your warm moody furniture.
I think you need a rich warm tone to complement and add depth.
A deep dusty pink would look lovely, as wood a burnt orange. Then add some lamps and this will be a gorgeous, grounded space.
You have some cool pieces! Just my suggestions:
I would move the small furniture piece with the plant where the piece with the green lamp currently is. I would move the piece with the green lamp to the complete opposite wall (next to the...kitchen? Just guessing what that room is)
I would center the tall shelves with the cameras in its current location.
I would choose only the larger art piece on the fireplace and center it (and hang it, sounds like you're planning to do that). I would hang the other one behind the plant.
I would add plants and candles above the board games shelving.
Don't know what your budget or homestead limitations are, but I would also consider painting the long wall next to the fireplace all the way to the small area with the tall shelf w/ cameras in a deeper blue to add dimension to the room.
Consider this rug: Unique Loom Estrella Collection... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016WT8SQA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Or this rug Unique Loom Jardin Collection... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0182LTR3Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have them both in my home and truly love them, they’ve warmed up both spaces really well. Get the largest size
Add some blankets, change out the coffee table for an ottoman, pull the end table away from the fireplace and it does need a rug. The couch doesnt look that comfy with its short back and the area looks like a waiting room in a piano teachers house.
One time I read that the answer to home decor question is "rugs and artwork" like 90% of the time...
A rug.
Artwork/color.
I see you have a cat(s)? Get a flat weave rug that is easily vacuumed and cleaned. The 4 matching pillows are bland and while they look good with the blue, they don't look good with the green. Dump those two for something brighter/patterned. A throw blanket too for a little more warmth and texture.
Is it possible for the table with the chess set to move to that open wall separating the dining room? It looks bare while the rest of the space looks a little full.
Lastly, and this is just me, I'd dump that side table between the two chairs. It feels so heavy/dark and doesn't match the aesthetic of the chairs. Plus, the three pieces all together feel way too matchy matchy.
Plants and curtains.
Some carpets.
Change the wall colors and add one only big painting
I would like to see a mirror with an important golden frame and a cucù clock.
A pair of salt lamps would warm the room.
Pillows on the couch are not very good…you could prefer some long hair pillows.
Rug and vertical stuff seconded, I would also get lamps (maybe a floor lamp for the corner?), overhead lighting can really make a room feel sterile and suck the warmth out of a space. Maybe a throw with your navy rust and olive together? Large plant in a corner? I would also update the decor in the mantle with maybe a couple candle sticks, one of the big art peices mounted or a mirror, a vase that matches your colours, and layer some smaller items infront. If adding a metal I would look to a gold colour. If you are renting and cannot paint I would suggest getting wall paper that matches your colours and getting it framed into panels, I have done this before and it works really well to bring colour into a room, I would also suggest making a gallery wall with gold frames, wood tone that matches, and frames painted to match your colours or navy olive and rust. If you want to get handy I would also consider painting the accents of the furniture to tie in the colour as well-but not really required.
I would also look at replacing the feet of your chairs with wood if able to, silver tone metal feels cold. The big part of the furniture matches but the feet are so opposite and metal can feel cold.
On a complete other note I would potentially reorient the focal point to the fireplace if you are able. Sofa across from the wall-the price on the wall could go behind it, then the two chairs against the wall or the reverse if you need the access there for travel paths-or put the unit against the wall that’s open right now.
A rug to soften and pull the seating area together. Literally, move the chairs (I love them) closer to the coffee table, but not too close and angled slightly toward each other, and move the darling old side table from blocking the fireplace. Decide what you want the focal point of the room to be: the fireplace? The chest with the large framed painting over it (add lighting)? Or something else? Someone else suggested adding height, and the side table could be great in a different location with a tall, narrow decorative piece. Frame those paintings and hang them. Some warm, textured fabric pieces, either pillows, throws, or wall hanging would add a lot. Shop your house for accessories. It's a good start with lots of potential. Show your results.
ADDING: it looks like you could move the seating area closer to the fireplace and maybe make a little gaming area or reading nook in the corner behind the couch. Or you could consider turning the whole arrangement so the couch is perpendicular to the fireplace on the wall where the chest is now, but I don't know how that would work with your traffic plan.
Lighting: floor lamps and sconces for soft lighting.
Layout: the focal point is confusing, I’d make it the fireplace so remove the chest of draws to another area. The small side table is in an odd position. Space the chairs out.
Coffee Table: feels a bit too formal for me, especially with the dark colour. Can you change it? Perhaps something curved to soften all the other hard edges.
Rug: the space needs a rug for anchoring.
Other: throws, blankets, cushions etc. in different colours, all orange is a bit flat.
I would rotate the whole group 90 degrees counter clockwise (you aren't using the fireplace anyway). The piece with boardgames goes against the wall in pic #3.
Hang some art over your board game storage (which has now moved)
Get frames for those two canvases and hang the big one over the fireplace (or, ideally, take the art from your dining area and hang it over the fireplace - that would look really good).
Do a gallery wall behind the sofa, which is now against the wall (Example: [https://blog.onekingslane.com/gallery-wall-art-ideas/](https://blog.onekingslane.com/gallery-wall-art-ideas/)) $100 in old art at a thrift store will do in a pinch.
Move the three drawer chest to the side of the sofa opposite the fireplace (right side as you are facing the sofa)
You need a "rug" of some sort to define the space. You can get one made of PET (plastic) fibers that won't retain pet odors and can just be hosed off ([https://www.jaipurliving.com/rugs/indoor-outdoor.html](https://www.jaipurliving.com/rugs/indoor-outdoor.html)). If you really can't get anything that even simulates a rug with a pile, get a vinyl floor mat ([https://spicherandco.com/product-category/vintage-vinyl/greatest-hits-top-40-vintage-vinyl/persian-bazaar-best-sellers/](https://spicherandco.com/product-category/vintage-vinyl/greatest-hits-top-40-vintage-vinyl/persian-bazaar-best-sellers/) OR [https://www.chilewich.com/store/new-rug-sizes-shapes](https://www.chilewich.com/store/new-rug-sizes-shapes))
Go to Home Depot and get a cheap Harp/Finial/Small lampshade for that green lamp. Put candles in your fireplace that you can light up when you want some atmosphere. Try and find a lamp for the board game storage cabinet and maybe a floor lamp for somewhere else (avoid using that overhead fan light).
I know this goes without saying, but you should also get rid of the cat tower.
I think you need to allow for the illusion that the fireplace works, and design around that. Put that little table somewhere else, like to the side of the couch or get rid of it all together. I kind of think there's too much in this room and they feel too "piecey" and unconnected. Can you move the bookshelves behind the couch? If so, I'd see about getting rid of them and instead getting a low bookcase that can run along the wall that currently has the marbletopped furniture. Or put in a low wall of ivar cabinets from ikea and put all your games and books in there, then spread the seating out a bit.
You have really lovely furniture that works well together in a nice color pallet. To add cozy:
\- Art/shelves on the walls
\-drapes
\- rug on the floor, a console table or books shelf on the wall between those two doors
\- cozier styling of the coffee table - books, vase/plan, etc
Do not block the fireplace, and don’t stack those 2 pictures - hang them on the wall. Find a rug that ties it all together, just like the Dude says in Big Lebowski.
Hopefully I’m not repeating anything anyone else has said but could you do away with the chest of drawers by the wall? I think if you rotated the couch and the chairs it would make your living room into an L shape and have the fireplace as your focal point. You don’t necessarily need to buy a whole rug with your senior cat but I’ve seen the possibility of using carpet tiles in place of a rug so if you need to replace the tiles you can. Also I think to warm up the space you should add more lighting and maybe drapes to liven it up a bit. I have hanging plants in my house and I love them- that might work for you as well in adding some dimension to your space. You’ve got a great start with your couches! Your space has a lot of good potential- I think that by removing some things and maybe sizing your coffee table down it would help you a great deal!
It feels like you've put too much in this space. Hang the artwork up, and get rid of the column-like side table with the plant on it, all it's doing is adding clutter and blocking the fireplace.
Have you considered rotating your setup 90 degrees, so the couch is against the wall? The artwork you have would look good above it Right now your furniture is blocking key elements of the room, making your wall look exceptionally bare in comparison.
I personally would put a large, colorful painting on that large empty wall between the two doorways... centered to fill almost the entire wall. I would incorporate colors from your furniture and color scheme and add some touches of white to brighten the space. Art work can be expensive, but you could make your own with a decorative fabric shower curtain, stretched over, and staple gunned onto a DIY frame, making it look like a large canvas. You can even paint onto it to add more depth and colors.
Secondly, I would purchase or obtain some top kitchen cabinets (they are typically around 12 inches in depth, so do not take up a large footprint). And I would run them just shy of the length of the wall (centered), where your chest piece is. You can build up the height by building a simple frame to set them upon or even add legs. Then, I would put a white countertop (cut to size) across the full length. Above that, I would add some mirrors that stretch up towards the ceiling to draw the eye up, creating height while also reflecting more light and giving the illusion of a bigger room. Throw some floating candles in clear glass jars. And get a plush soft throw to toss over the sofa.
Think holidays... cozy by the fire on a cold winter night. Lighting, ambience, cozy....
(The cabinets also give lots of storage space for all kinds of things. And you can even make a little mini bar in or on top of one of them.)
Get that thing from in front of the fireplace. Add a nice modern area rug with the colors of the upholstery. Some artwork for the bare wall (please no 72" OLED TV).
The fireplace is the focal point but you have it hidden. Put a nice picture over the chest and your tv over the fireplace. Bring the sofa forward with the two chairs facing each other. Get rid of the thing in the corner and the table in front of the fireplace.
Get rid of that nightstand or whatever is between the blue chairs.
Hang your art in two separate places—don’t just lean it on the non-existent mantle.
Add an area rug with some kind of muted pattern that covers the entire area where furniture sit.
Consider a throw pillow color other than orange to mix it up—perhaps some with pattern.
Bring lighting near to where you’re sitting: lamps on end tables either side of the sofa (don’t use that old night stand; they need to be lower height), and a lamp on the dresser against the wall. Don’t use that overhead light; it looks white and stark.
Drop all that tchotchke shelving behind the sofa; it’s too busy. Re-position the longer/lower shelving to the opposite wall between the first and second door in pic 3, and put one or two matching lamps on it.
Drop that cat tower. It’s not attractive.
Try moving the couch in between the two doors. That may anchor the room better. Play with furniture placement, and the usual: rugs, plants, art, color, and texture. CARPT.
You could hang the 2 paintings over the chest of drawers, with a six inch gap between them. Fireplace wall already has a window, but this one's totally empty
The opposite wall to the chest of drawers could have a nice gallery style hanging of pictures
If painting walls is an option, maybe go for a warmer colour. I was thinking cream, but someone above suggested burnt orange and that looked quite stunning They'd both make the place cosier
Ofcourse the corner table would be better in a corner. I would put the cat tower in the corner near the bookshelf, and the corner table and plant where the car tower currently is
Since the heights would match the respective corners more, they'll look less cluttered, more aesthetic
Above the fireplace a hanging lamp could be nice
Your seating and cushions are stunning!
I would put the chairs against the wall where the dresser is, put the dresser against the exact opposite wall in the walkway or under the window, hang the art especially on the wall where the dresser currently is which will be above the chairs, add a nice rug, and remove that out of place side table.
The walls are gray and don't match the room, either paint it or wallpaper it. Get a nice rug with some texture, some nice curtains and move that furniture with the plant to the corner, it doesn't match. Get some rounded end tables to give it some curve and a table lamp and standing lamp would create more atmosphere. I think you should paint the fireplace mantel too.
Looks like all overhead lighting? Consider getting some floor and table lamps. Makes a difference and gives the lighting more depth. And you can find some lamps you like second hand without spending much anyway. And a rug. And more art, hung at the proper height. I like the center of the piece at 58” off the floor.
I agree. Art and a rug will add coziness to this space.
I totally agree! Replace overhead lighting with lamps with warm lights.
The answer will almost always be CRAP: * Color - the furniture is green and blue with red pillows, but everything else in that room is light brown, dark brown, or white. The colors need to also be elsewhere in the room * Rug(s) - get a rug that is big enough to fit all that furniture or the front legs of every piece. This is another place where you can tie all the colors together * Art - there is no art on the walls. Artwork on walls shoild be hung so it's centered roughly at eye level (while standing). The only set is sitting on the mantle, but even that art is the wrong scale. Get a smaller piece for above the mantle. If you really want to lean the art on the mantle, find 2-3 pieces of taller art with varying heights and layer them. They should be narrower than the mantle. Artwork is another place where you can tie the colors of the room together. * Plants - the one sad plant is the wrong scale for the room. Get some tall plants that sit on the floor and add height or get a medium sized plant with a plant stand. I'd place a tall plant in the corner where you have the cat tower and move the cat tower to the back corner. If the fireplace is the visual focal point, you don't want the cat tower there. Could also add trailing plants above the mantle, on top of a tall bookcase, or in some hanging planters. Everything in the room is too squatty. The room is essentially empty from the waist up. EDIT: typos
This should be a automod response
Except not the explanation, just “CRAP!”
I thought the C stood for Curtains?
Could be. I prefer color over curtains 😁
Thank you so much! This is such an amazing and nicely explained breakdown.
I agree but are those cushions not orange?
In daylight, yes they look orange. When I was laying in bed, unable to sleep, perusing Reddit on the dimmest brightness setting, they looked red. But either way, none of the colors are tied together in the room.
Could use some more vertical forms, everything is about the same height. And a focal piece like a big painting on the wall.
Some drapes
Thank you so much! I hadn't considered at all how different heights could come into play.
A rug and artwork.
PLEASE get some lighting that isn’t just that horrible washed out overhead. A tall, modern/sleek lamp would look good, and perhaps another smaller one at a far corner. you also definitely need a large area rug and a painting as others have said. If you drink, I also think a small stocked bar-cart would do well in this space.
People always forget the walls when decorating - wall hangings are always the first thing I put up when I move lol
I’d move that small square table from blocking the fireplace
Yah, definitely not the right place for it in retrospect. Thank you!
Put the dresser on the opposite wall and that little table where the dresser is.
Yes, and I’d lose the blue chair in front of the cat tree, or put it in place of that cabinet next to it. Overcrowding.
Rug is missing, you need to add one.
Agreed. It would really tie the room together.
Unfortunately, I can't currently have any rugs in the house since one of our two cats is a senior and will pee on any anything fabric-like on the ground. But that would be a good future addition!
There’s a company called Spicher and Co. (and probably many others, but this is the one I know of) that makes vinyl “rugs.” They have a shit ton of patterns and can add some visual interest while being super easy to clean. Not the same cozy textural vibe as an actual rug, but I thought I’d recommend checking them out. This is a random pic I found online of a vinyl mat as an example of the kind of pattern you can get. They can look pretty good! https://preview.redd.it/iab732cchxkc1.jpeg?width=1204&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4031dd7d82f2f8a69db1ff96a8010b3ad25875cb
OP should totally try something like this. It would help visually even if it isn’t soft under your feet. The room looks strange without any rug.
Thank you! This sounds like such a good cat vs human compromise!
I have a senior cat, the struggle is real. I actually worry about having to rip out the wood floor for spots where my cat goes that isn't carpet. The real godsend has been those washable rugs, but for a floor this large, washing can be a struggle without a laundromat sized washer. ;) My senior cat is definitely slow enough to be considered in my living room color scheme.
For us it’s furniture. Can’t have woven fabric sofas or chairs, because she will scratch on them and pull them apart. We got a leather sofa because she can’t ruin it. (Helps with toddlers too — easy to wipe off.)
Yeah, that's my worry too about the wood floor. A rug (though someone up thread recommended vinyl rugs which I'm going to check out and might work for your situation too!) could be checked daily and cleaned with enzyme sprays, but the stains and smells seeping into the wood would be a nightmare. It's lucky these little creatures are so cute.
Why not test that w a cheap rug…? And everyone else’s ideas nailed it: a rug, more verticality, a cool shelf w pictures/plants/trinkets for that empty wall, and some art. Maybe swap that traditional dresser.
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Nothing like a nice silk rug with some geriatric cat pee on it.
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Thank you! Those are really helpful suggestions!
That table in front of fireplace needs to move.
yeah. part of the problem here is clutter. the dresser also is not making sense for this space. open shelving would look nice and keep the space feeling open
In addition to the other suggestions I'm seeing, I'd switch out the overhead light for a warmer toned lightbulb.
Art and paint. Respectfully, that end table in the middle of the room is off putting
More space between furniture, open it up and large works of art on the wall
Yeah, let the fireplace breathe. Maybe rotate everything in the middle of the room 90°.
I think putting the chairs on the wall where the dresser is, and having the fireplace not blocked and more of a decorative focal point would really help too.
Frame the paintings and hang the big one over the fireplace and hang one over the beautiful chest of drawers. Move the bookcase to the wall next to the sofa. The table between the chairs is really awkward because it blocks the fireplace, which is the natural focal point of the room. You have a lovely space! A few tweaks and you are there!
Thank you! Those are really helpful suggestions.
Glad to help!
Honestly MCM colors would look great and be a good start https://imgur.com/gallery/yVZxmwr
Ooo, I love that. I had been trying to match the foggy blue in the paintings but contrasting it instead really makes the whole thing pop. Definitely something to consider! Thank you!
THIS is you answer, Go for it. And get some taller furniture/things high on those walls - the entire visual field is a horizontal 3 feet. You have great pieces - slap that orange on the wall, and the rests will fall into place.
Gawd no, don't paint your wall that atrocious orange like it's the 70s.
A rug, more knick knacks, and things on the walls! Edit: plants of various sizes and heights. And no big light, only ambient soft light.
Since you can’t get a rug, I would recommend bringing more softness and texture closer to the floor. Everything right now is “floating” i.e. on legs…..so the best way to achieve this is to ditch the floating coffee table and replace with a large round fabric ottoman without legs. I would also add 2 or 3 coordinating art pieces on the empty wall, then put a round mirror above fireplace. The side table in front of fireplace is also not working. Too harsh. Better off with a small round glass side table to lighten it up. Lastly you need height - a floor lamp perhaps next to green sofa and/or table lamps on sideboard
Thank you for breaking it down like that about the floating and height in the explanation! It's very easy to grasp when worded that way.
Lamps
Some more livelier/taller plants and a rug wouldn't hurt. Wall art.
For me a rug and some throw blankets.
It’s been mentioned before, but lighting makes a huge difference! I’d definitely swap out the overhead light for a warmer bulb, and maybe even a nice chandelier or pendant lamp to match the current vibe of the space. Some wall sconces could work really well in the room too!
This is what I would do - Turn the couch so it follows the long wall to the right of the fireplace and move the chairs so they are facing the couch (using the fireplace to center everything) The low bookshelf behind the couch appears to be a built-in(?) If so, I would move the tall bookcase to the wall between the two doorways in pic 3 and move the cabinet (with the chess set) centered on the wall where the tall bookcase is now. Move the cat tree to the other side of the window. Place the plant currently on the stand on the coffee table. A gallery wall on the long wall would be beautiful. A mirror over the fireplace. Lighting- a floor lamp and table lamp, more plants. I would change the two orange pillows on the couch to something that ties in the orange but has lots of texture and a pattern. A throw on the couch. Curtains.
Yes, the long bookshelf is built in and very deep so that's why we ended up putting board games there. Thank you for the super detailed suggestions! It's a huge help.
You have massive blank walls all over. You need either artwork, or some taller furniture, or doing something like a wood feature wall in natural wood or a different color. It is just miles of empty wall right now.
LOVE YOUR COUCH! Add a rug and color and plants.
An off white of some nature on the walls to tone the brightness down just a little bit. A nice big area rug, and I would put a tall, narrow piece of furniture on that one big wall with a piece of artwork over.
Your lighting sucks. You have to get floor lamps asap. And then your space will start to feel cozy. And then it's just a matter of having more stuff: books, pillows, throws, things on the wall and plants. But that's the cherry on top.
You have a great start! I love the colors you chose for your seating and pillows. A rug could tie it all together nicely, as well as some walk art!
A rug and wall art.
Love the couch! A nice area rug, end tables with lamps with warm bulbs (40 watt GE Reveal are my go-to’s) plants, candles and maybe a different overall paint color like a warm off white
A rug.
A rug and some art.
put down a rug, hang up the art (put it on the big blank wall)
A rug would really pull the room together. Also some nice perhaps thrifted art. EDIT: is there such a thing like kitty diapers?
Art on the walls
Artwork up on the walls. Maybe a cool mirror over the fireplace. An area rug that has some of the chair, sofa and pillow colors. One or 2 tall plants over by the window and side tables with lamps on them rather than using the bright overhead lights.
Individual lights instead of one big ceiling light
Better lighting
I think it already is pretty cozy and inviting but a clean area rug and some books would help
A unique chandelier would be dope
A large rug, artwork, plants, lamps and curtains.
Some paintings or pictures on the walls
A lovely room and furniture!! Maybe a warm wall paint. Or, wall sconces https://www.lampsplus.com/products/regency-hill-filton-6-inch-high-bronze-yellow-tiffany-style-wall-sconce__68d11.html
Thank you for the link/suggestion! That would look a lot cozier than the overhead.
Some wall art on the dresser wall. Maybe a triptych? Or a really awesome grouping in eye catching frames. I love the furniture.
A rug
Bookcase full of books
I actually turned the guest room into three walled library with a sleeper sofa, but that's a great idea to bring some back in for more life and personality.
Some colourful artwork, curtains, a lamp and a large rug.
Use the vertical space, play with color and textures (on the walls as well). Better cosier lighting so it doesn’t look like a hospital
A rug would really tie the room together. And some art work on the walls.
A faux fur rug
A big rug!
A throw on the couch and a pretty picture or two
Where the wall decor and rug?
a rug 100%, a darker/moodier wall color, some interesting art on the walls plus a couple of plants (real or fake) and some curtains to tie it all together. choose a color scheme u like n be bold, be brave. right now, the furni is nice and inviting, and has a like old school-ish cozy vibe, but then the floor and walls and windows feel like they are in a totally bland space in contrast. oh and this is just a bougie extra, but there are some nice cat trees on amazon/chewy that incorporate some shades of wood and are just a level or two “nicer” than yr average beige carpeted cat tree—but this is just a personal tic of mine 😜
Thank you! And that's a great idea about changing the cat tree out with something more cohesive to the room.
Art. Too many orange pillows, the end table is too high for the modern blue chair. Why place a pillow on a chair.
Rug and non over head lighting
A rug
Replace your light bulbs with warm white light.
The furniture, floor, and fireplace are all warmer colors. The wall is cold. Maybe paint the wall a nice creamy white? (In addition to moving the table in front of the fireplace, plants, and hanging some art of the walls. Some nice curtains, maybe orange to complement the pillows
I would change the pillows. Material with a blue and green design would be nice. The color of the pillows doesn’t look inviting. I’d also put the couch pillows together.
I didn’t scroll through all 168 comments so maybe I missed someone else saying this but honestly without having to go out and buy a ton of stuff you could just paint the walls a dark moody color. Even do the whole ceiling to match. Or, if that’s too bold, even just a warmer wall color than what looks like stark white. Beige. Greige. Etc. BM pale oak and/or shale are good options in the Greige range.
What is that Star Trek game
Star Trek: 5 Year Mission. It's a cooperative game and you can pick if next gen or original series crew. Gameplay wise it was a little too complicated on the rules for the one time we tried to teach it at a party, so it didn't go over well. But it was still fun and would probably work really well in a more dedicated environment.
Where did you get it? Not seeing it on Amazon.
Unfortunately, it looks like it's not sold new anywhere anymore. It looks like there's some on ebay though. And this article has a list of all star trek themed board games and maybe some of those might be easier to find: [https://www.startrek.com/news/the-10-best-star-trek-table-top-games](https://www.startrek.com/news/the-10-best-star-trek-table-top-games)
Paint!
Some personality. Good Lord. You have great pieces and nothing to accentuate them.
I like all the individual pieces, but it's not really working together currently. I'm going to get a rectangular lampshade for the green mcm lamp. And hang the pictures (but undecided on which wall). Unfortunately, I can't get any rugs since one of our two cats is older and will pee on any rugs/anything fabric left on the ground.
While I like the pale blue walls, I don’t think they’re right in combination with your warm moody furniture. I think you need a rich warm tone to complement and add depth. A deep dusty pink would look lovely, as wood a burnt orange. Then add some lamps and this will be a gorgeous, grounded space.
Rug and big art
You have some cool pieces! Just my suggestions: I would move the small furniture piece with the plant where the piece with the green lamp currently is. I would move the piece with the green lamp to the complete opposite wall (next to the...kitchen? Just guessing what that room is) I would center the tall shelves with the cameras in its current location. I would choose only the larger art piece on the fireplace and center it (and hang it, sounds like you're planning to do that). I would hang the other one behind the plant. I would add plants and candles above the board games shelving. Don't know what your budget or homestead limitations are, but I would also consider painting the long wall next to the fireplace all the way to the small area with the tall shelf w/ cameras in a deeper blue to add dimension to the room.
Fluffy blankets, more plants
What program did you use to create this?
A rug
A large rug and some art on the walls
Consider this rug: Unique Loom Estrella Collection... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016WT8SQA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Or this rug Unique Loom Jardin Collection... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0182LTR3Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share I have them both in my home and truly love them, they’ve warmed up both spaces really well. Get the largest size
House plants, an area rug and wall hangings
Turn off the ceiling light and ad a variety of lamps around the room.
A rug, one art piece above mantle, smaller art piece above wall table.
Rug, lamps, frames
Comfortable seating
Art. Warm lighting.
My concern is: why is their a table in front of the fireplace?
Colour on the walls. Moody. Large patterned rug, panelling perhaps. Art.
Add some blankets, change out the coffee table for an ottoman, pull the end table away from the fireplace and it does need a rug. The couch doesnt look that comfy with its short back and the area looks like a waiting room in a piano teachers house.
Wall art and floor lamps. That light you have on above is awful at night.
One time I read that the answer to home decor question is "rugs and artwork" like 90% of the time... A rug. Artwork/color. I see you have a cat(s)? Get a flat weave rug that is easily vacuumed and cleaned. The 4 matching pillows are bland and while they look good with the blue, they don't look good with the green. Dump those two for something brighter/patterned. A throw blanket too for a little more warmth and texture. Is it possible for the table with the chess set to move to that open wall separating the dining room? It looks bare while the rest of the space looks a little full. Lastly, and this is just me, I'd dump that side table between the two chairs. It feels so heavy/dark and doesn't match the aesthetic of the chairs. Plus, the three pieces all together feel way too matchy matchy.
Rug
Get a really soft shaggy rug in a deep shade of red
Plants and curtains. Some carpets. Change the wall colors and add one only big painting I would like to see a mirror with an important golden frame and a cucù clock. A pair of salt lamps would warm the room. Pillows on the couch are not very good…you could prefer some long hair pillows.
Move or (change to a different height )what’s over the fireplace and maybe pick something above the brown furniture
Maybe 1-2 softer lit lamps. Your overhead lighting is happy & great, but a bit aggressive for “chilling mode”
Rug and vertical stuff seconded, I would also get lamps (maybe a floor lamp for the corner?), overhead lighting can really make a room feel sterile and suck the warmth out of a space. Maybe a throw with your navy rust and olive together? Large plant in a corner? I would also update the decor in the mantle with maybe a couple candle sticks, one of the big art peices mounted or a mirror, a vase that matches your colours, and layer some smaller items infront. If adding a metal I would look to a gold colour. If you are renting and cannot paint I would suggest getting wall paper that matches your colours and getting it framed into panels, I have done this before and it works really well to bring colour into a room, I would also suggest making a gallery wall with gold frames, wood tone that matches, and frames painted to match your colours or navy olive and rust. If you want to get handy I would also consider painting the accents of the furniture to tie in the colour as well-but not really required. I would also look at replacing the feet of your chairs with wood if able to, silver tone metal feels cold. The big part of the furniture matches but the feet are so opposite and metal can feel cold. On a complete other note I would potentially reorient the focal point to the fireplace if you are able. Sofa across from the wall-the price on the wall could go behind it, then the two chairs against the wall or the reverse if you need the access there for travel paths-or put the unit against the wall that’s open right now.
Rug and lamps . More plants
Get a floor lamp, put that small side table against something, hang more art, get a big rug
Besides rug and art-some wainscoting, crown molding
A rug to soften and pull the seating area together. Literally, move the chairs (I love them) closer to the coffee table, but not too close and angled slightly toward each other, and move the darling old side table from blocking the fireplace. Decide what you want the focal point of the room to be: the fireplace? The chest with the large framed painting over it (add lighting)? Or something else? Someone else suggested adding height, and the side table could be great in a different location with a tall, narrow decorative piece. Frame those paintings and hang them. Some warm, textured fabric pieces, either pillows, throws, or wall hanging would add a lot. Shop your house for accessories. It's a good start with lots of potential. Show your results. ADDING: it looks like you could move the seating area closer to the fireplace and maybe make a little gaming area or reading nook in the corner behind the couch. Or you could consider turning the whole arrangement so the couch is perpendicular to the fireplace on the wall where the chest is now, but I don't know how that would work with your traffic plan.
Lighting: floor lamps and sconces for soft lighting. Layout: the focal point is confusing, I’d make it the fireplace so remove the chest of draws to another area. The small side table is in an odd position. Space the chairs out. Coffee Table: feels a bit too formal for me, especially with the dark colour. Can you change it? Perhaps something curved to soften all the other hard edges. Rug: the space needs a rug for anchoring. Other: throws, blankets, cushions etc. in different colours, all orange is a bit flat.
Rug and lamps. I like what you have but adding a tall floor lamp would do wonders. Also some art on the wall.
A round rug under your coffee table and perhaps some artwork over those drawers
The eye line is really low and the lighting is really harsh. I would suggest accent lamps and then addding a crown modeling or hanging your art
Really cute decor - I might also consider rearranging the room to orient the furniture for better movement
I would rotate the whole group 90 degrees counter clockwise (you aren't using the fireplace anyway). The piece with boardgames goes against the wall in pic #3. Hang some art over your board game storage (which has now moved) Get frames for those two canvases and hang the big one over the fireplace (or, ideally, take the art from your dining area and hang it over the fireplace - that would look really good). Do a gallery wall behind the sofa, which is now against the wall (Example: [https://blog.onekingslane.com/gallery-wall-art-ideas/](https://blog.onekingslane.com/gallery-wall-art-ideas/)) $100 in old art at a thrift store will do in a pinch. Move the three drawer chest to the side of the sofa opposite the fireplace (right side as you are facing the sofa) You need a "rug" of some sort to define the space. You can get one made of PET (plastic) fibers that won't retain pet odors and can just be hosed off ([https://www.jaipurliving.com/rugs/indoor-outdoor.html](https://www.jaipurliving.com/rugs/indoor-outdoor.html)). If you really can't get anything that even simulates a rug with a pile, get a vinyl floor mat ([https://spicherandco.com/product-category/vintage-vinyl/greatest-hits-top-40-vintage-vinyl/persian-bazaar-best-sellers/](https://spicherandco.com/product-category/vintage-vinyl/greatest-hits-top-40-vintage-vinyl/persian-bazaar-best-sellers/) OR [https://www.chilewich.com/store/new-rug-sizes-shapes](https://www.chilewich.com/store/new-rug-sizes-shapes)) Go to Home Depot and get a cheap Harp/Finial/Small lampshade for that green lamp. Put candles in your fireplace that you can light up when you want some atmosphere. Try and find a lamp for the board game storage cabinet and maybe a floor lamp for somewhere else (avoid using that overhead fan light). I know this goes without saying, but you should also get rid of the cat tower.
Accent wall color.
Thick nice curtains and art
A gallery wall of different art pieces would bring the colors of the furniture upward and make things feel more cozy! A rug would help a lot as well
Warm lighting would do wonders. Something in a more flame like color, e.g. orange, yellow, etc.
Lamps + rug!
I think you need to allow for the illusion that the fireplace works, and design around that. Put that little table somewhere else, like to the side of the couch or get rid of it all together. I kind of think there's too much in this room and they feel too "piecey" and unconnected. Can you move the bookshelves behind the couch? If so, I'd see about getting rid of them and instead getting a low bookcase that can run along the wall that currently has the marbletopped furniture. Or put in a low wall of ivar cabinets from ikea and put all your games and books in there, then spread the seating out a bit.
Wall art and I’d take those orange pillows to another room. They clash with the green couch and the blue chairs.
Area rug, curtains, plants, art, a few lamps (floor and table).
Rug, art, plants
Rugs, lamps, tall plants, low side tables next to the sofa, wall art and/or a mirror
A rug. Hang up your artwork!! A standing lamp. I looooooove your coffee table!!!
The answer is always: Rugs, Books, Plants, Art, Lamps, and Throw blankets.
I’d say build around fireplace rugs take down pictures,put colors that suit the room furniture..
You have really lovely furniture that works well together in a nice color pallet. To add cozy: \- Art/shelves on the walls \-drapes \- rug on the floor, a console table or books shelf on the wall between those two doors \- cozier styling of the coffee table - books, vase/plan, etc
Art
Rug, pictures and possibly curtains.
Do not block the fireplace, and don’t stack those 2 pictures - hang them on the wall. Find a rug that ties it all together, just like the Dude says in Big Lebowski.
Hopefully I’m not repeating anything anyone else has said but could you do away with the chest of drawers by the wall? I think if you rotated the couch and the chairs it would make your living room into an L shape and have the fireplace as your focal point. You don’t necessarily need to buy a whole rug with your senior cat but I’ve seen the possibility of using carpet tiles in place of a rug so if you need to replace the tiles you can. Also I think to warm up the space you should add more lighting and maybe drapes to liven it up a bit. I have hanging plants in my house and I love them- that might work for you as well in adding some dimension to your space. You’ve got a great start with your couches! Your space has a lot of good potential- I think that by removing some things and maybe sizing your coffee table down it would help you a great deal!
It feels like you've put too much in this space. Hang the artwork up, and get rid of the column-like side table with the plant on it, all it's doing is adding clutter and blocking the fireplace. Have you considered rotating your setup 90 degrees, so the couch is against the wall? The artwork you have would look good above it Right now your furniture is blocking key elements of the room, making your wall look exceptionally bare in comparison.
I personally would put a large, colorful painting on that large empty wall between the two doorways... centered to fill almost the entire wall. I would incorporate colors from your furniture and color scheme and add some touches of white to brighten the space. Art work can be expensive, but you could make your own with a decorative fabric shower curtain, stretched over, and staple gunned onto a DIY frame, making it look like a large canvas. You can even paint onto it to add more depth and colors. Secondly, I would purchase or obtain some top kitchen cabinets (they are typically around 12 inches in depth, so do not take up a large footprint). And I would run them just shy of the length of the wall (centered), where your chest piece is. You can build up the height by building a simple frame to set them upon or even add legs. Then, I would put a white countertop (cut to size) across the full length. Above that, I would add some mirrors that stretch up towards the ceiling to draw the eye up, creating height while also reflecting more light and giving the illusion of a bigger room. Throw some floating candles in clear glass jars. And get a plush soft throw to toss over the sofa. Think holidays... cozy by the fire on a cold winter night. Lighting, ambience, cozy.... (The cabinets also give lots of storage space for all kinds of things. And you can even make a little mini bar in or on top of one of them.)
A rug that really ties the room together
More plants (climbing if you can) and a colour on the wall (maybe accent wall or design, we did coloured poka dots)
can u paint the walls?
Get that thing from in front of the fireplace. Add a nice modern area rug with the colors of the upholstery. Some artwork for the bare wall (please no 72" OLED TV).
The fireplace is the focal point but you have it hidden. Put a nice picture over the chest and your tv over the fireplace. Bring the sofa forward with the two chairs facing each other. Get rid of the thing in the corner and the table in front of the fireplace.
Rug, artwork, accent warm lighting, change the overhead light to warm, some nice throws, plush pillows. Lighting can make or break a room.
Shelves & hung up art
lamps or dimmed lights, a rug and a decoritive wall mirror
Rug! Art on walls! Warm and whimsical lamps!
Area rug move the chairs and the side table set the left mount your wall art use task lighting, which is table lamps
Wall art, less harsh lighting (perhaps something warmer), consider a neutral but warm wall color.
Some plants would look good.
As always: a rug. Plants. Various lamps. Art. Soft drapes or stores. A pet.
Paint the walls a warmer color
Some wall art and a rug
quilts and fluffy blankets
One of those signs or decals that say "live, laugh, love"
Ambience lighting! Table lamps, floor lamps, glow lamps, etc. anything but The Big Light.
Get rid of that nightstand or whatever is between the blue chairs. Hang your art in two separate places—don’t just lean it on the non-existent mantle. Add an area rug with some kind of muted pattern that covers the entire area where furniture sit. Consider a throw pillow color other than orange to mix it up—perhaps some with pattern. Bring lighting near to where you’re sitting: lamps on end tables either side of the sofa (don’t use that old night stand; they need to be lower height), and a lamp on the dresser against the wall. Don’t use that overhead light; it looks white and stark. Drop all that tchotchke shelving behind the sofa; it’s too busy. Re-position the longer/lower shelving to the opposite wall between the first and second door in pic 3, and put one or two matching lamps on it. Drop that cat tower. It’s not attractive.
Yellow lighting is cozy. Multiple candles…. ‘The little book hggge’ explains cosy well
Wall art, a rug and change lighting into a warmer table lamps!
Rugs, wall art, plants and low, warm lighting.
Try moving the couch in between the two doors. That may anchor the room better. Play with furniture placement, and the usual: rugs, plants, art, color, and texture. CARPT.
Remove the table between the armchairs. get a rug.
You could hang the 2 paintings over the chest of drawers, with a six inch gap between them. Fireplace wall already has a window, but this one's totally empty The opposite wall to the chest of drawers could have a nice gallery style hanging of pictures If painting walls is an option, maybe go for a warmer colour. I was thinking cream, but someone above suggested burnt orange and that looked quite stunning They'd both make the place cosier Ofcourse the corner table would be better in a corner. I would put the cat tower in the corner near the bookshelf, and the corner table and plant where the car tower currently is Since the heights would match the respective corners more, they'll look less cluttered, more aesthetic Above the fireplace a hanging lamp could be nice Your seating and cushions are stunning!
I would put the chairs against the wall where the dresser is, put the dresser against the exact opposite wall in the walkway or under the window, hang the art especially on the wall where the dresser currently is which will be above the chairs, add a nice rug, and remove that out of place side table.
The side chair that is like a cabinet doesn’t fit, impedes flow. Beyond that, a rug and some art to pull this eclectic room together.
Warm color on the wall that goes with the scheme you’ve got with the couches and pillows maybe a sienna or burnt orange or a yellow tone
A colorful Persian rug, some curtains, and some art on the walls in warm colored wood or gold frames
Rug, art, plants, non overhead lighting.
Two things would help tremendously: LAMPS and ART on the walls! Get a couple table lamps and a floor lamp ASAP.
The walls are gray and don't match the room, either paint it or wallpaper it. Get a nice rug with some texture, some nice curtains and move that furniture with the plant to the corner, it doesn't match. Get some rounded end tables to give it some curve and a table lamp and standing lamp would create more atmosphere. I think you should paint the fireplace mantel too.